For hundreds of years, black cats have been mistakenly associated with bad luck, witches, witchcraft, and magic.
Witches had been believed to have been in a position to disguise themselves as black cats, or that the cats had been in a position to do the bidding of the witches. Along with their affiliation with witches, black cats are related to unhealthy luck, dying, and evil, from the outdated saying that it’s “unhealthy luck” if a black cat crossed your path.
Alongside the way in which, black cats have turn out to be almost synonymous with the Halloween season.
Whereas these concepts grew out of superstition and folklore, have they got any influence on the lives of black cats at the moment, particularly throughout Halloween? We spoke with just a few consultants to separate the myths from the information.
Black Cat Fable #1: Black Cats Are at Danger of Being Harmed on Halloween
It’s true that black cats have been sadly harmed round Halloween, but it surely seems by and huge they and different cats are in no extra hazard that night time than every other.
Whereas the ASPCA didn’t present arduous information, Kelly DiCicco, Supervisor of Adoptions Promotions on the ASPCA Adoption Heart in New York Metropolis, mentioned primarily based on the ASPCA’s inside information, black cats aren’t in peril round Halloween.
“Each Halloween, many fear black cats might be adopted irresponsibly and returned proper after the vacation. Others fear that black cats are much less more likely to be adopted than different coat colours. However in line with ASPCA analysis, each fears are unfounded. Black cats usually are not in peril on Halloween or every other day of the yr,” mentioned DiCicco.
iStock through Andrew Linscott
Black Cat Fable #2: Black Cats Are Much less Adopted Than Different Cats
One other frequent considered black cats is that they’re arduous for shelters and rescues to put in adoptive houses. Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, a Licensed Utilized Animal Behaviorist and Licensed Cat Conduct Marketing consultant, defined a number of the reasoning behind this.
“There may be some proof that pictures of black cats get fewer clicks on pet adoption web sites and a few research have steered that black cats are much less more likely to be adopted, however the information isn’t a slam dunk.
“Black cats might be tougher to {photograph}, particularly in animal shelters the place the lighting could also be dim. , there could also be extra black cats in shelters, so there simply could also be extra of them,” Delgado mentioned, indicating that black might be a dominant shade among the many majority of shelter pets, which may make it seem as if animals with these colours are being handed over extra.
This attitude was echoed by DiCicco, who mentioned, “The parable that black cats and canine are much less adoptable is probably going the results of the entire variety of animals getting into the shelter system. Our analysis reveals that, basically, extra black cats and canine enter shelters throughout the nation, making it seem that this inhabitants is extra in danger. The explanation that extra black animals come into shelters is as a result of black coloration in pets is dominant.”
Black Cat Fable #3: Black Cats Are Adopted Irresponsibly Round Halloween
Regardless of the variety of cats and kittens needing houses, some shelter and rescue teams are reluctant to undertake out cats, particularly black cats, throughout the month of October for the well-intentioned concern that the cats could also be harmed. These limits on adoptions are meant to guard the cats, however they might not be needed.
From Dr. Delgado’s perspective, the dangers for black cats languishing in shelters far outweighs the dangers of permitting them to be adopted in October. She cited a 2020 study that “discovered no impact of month on the outcomes of black cats in a Kentucky shelter, and if something, there have been fewer black cat adoptions throughout October. So, the potential facet impact of limiting black cat adoptions is that fewer black cats get adopted. Sitting within the shelter longer places cats in danger for stress and sickness, to not point out euthanasia.”
Fortunately, extra rescue teams such because the ASPCA have come to see that anytime is an effective time to undertake a cat—black or in any other case! DiCicco says that, “Should you’re inquisitive about adopting, it’s at all times the proper time—together with throughout the month of October—to deliver a particular black cat into your coronary heart and residential and save a life within the course of.”
iSock through Patricia Gee
Black Cat Truth #1: Like All Cats, Black Cats Are Most secure Indoors
Typically, it’s greatest and most secure for cats to stay inside, however for those who do permit your cat some entry to the outside, no matter your kitty’s shade, it’s best to maintain them inside on Halloween, which might be scary, complicated, or disorienting for any pet with the unpredictable sights and sounds the day can deliver.
“We encourage all cat homeowners, no matter their cat’s shade, to apply accountable pet possession whatever the season. Cats are at all times most secure indoors with their household, however particularly with elevated visitors and exercise across the holidays ,” DiCicco says.
Black Cat Truth #1: Black Kitties Make Nice Pets!
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to have two black cats, and can proceed to hunt out black cats as pets once more sooner or later. I discovered my present cat when he was solely 5 weeks outdated in a snowbank, feral and alone in my Brooklyn, New York neighborhood. My associate and I had been fortunate sufficient (with the assistance of some canine treats in my pocket and the bodega proprietor on the nook) to catch this kitten and produce him house.
Now, almost eight years later, my little black cat is essentially the most playful, mischievous, and enjoyable cat I’ve ever identified. He loves treats, toys, and taking part in with my canine. Regardless of the mythology and misunderstanding round them, black cats are not any totally different from every other cat. Should you’re contemplating including a cat or kitten to your loved ones, give attention to discovering a cat that you just join with no matter shade.
“A very powerful factor a couple of cat to most individuals is their character! I encourage anybody who’s pondering of adopting to spend a while with just a few kitties and speak to the shelter workers or foster caretaker to be taught extra about them, and to be open to kitties of all stripes and colours,” says Dr. Delgado.
DiCicco agrees. “On account of false superstitions, black cats have lengthy been unfairly linked to unhealthy luck. Whereas black cats get wrapped up in outdated myths, the reality is that they’re simply as lovable as the following feline.”
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